HOW TO CLEAN THESE 6 THINGS USING FRESH LEMONS

Lemons are a versatile fruit. As a staple in the kitchen, they flavor sauces and dressings. They are delicious as a starring role in sweet treats. And when added to beverages, lemons offer pure refreshment.

But did you know this fruit also has serious cleaning power? Lemon is a mild disinfectant and unlike other disinfectants, it leaves a natural, clean scent. Here are some tough cleaning chores and how to use lemons for the job.

Tired of that rust ring in the tub or little rust spots on your silverware? If so, this DIY scouring paste will make rust vanish. Not to mention, it is safe to use, easy to make, and smells good! Mix salt with lemon juice until it creates a thick paste. Apply and let sit for 30 minutes. Afterward, sponge off and let dry.

Over time, cutting boards and containers made of plastic get stained by food. And it seems like these spots never come out. But don't give up yet. Simply squeeze lemon directly onto the stain and rub with the rough side of a kitchen sponge. Then, let the item dry in the sun. Wash afterward. The combo of lemon and the sun’s UV rays make stains disappear.

Because lemons are a natural bleaching agent, they are fabulous for cleaning grout. First, mix a paste of baking soda and lemon. Rub onto discolored grout with a toothbrush. After 15 minutes, rinse with warm water. Your grout will be white and clean.

And the fresh lemon scent is a bonus!

Don’t you hate staring at soap scum in the shower? Use lemons to get rid of it, instead of harsh chemicals. Cut a lemon in half. Then rub it all over your shower door and rinse with warm water. Repeat if necessary. When finished, your door will sparkle, and your shower will smell so fresh.

This recipe will make your furniture shine without using aerosol products and synthetic fragrances.

First, squeeze and strain a lemon. Then mix one part juice to two parts olive oil. Apply to a microfiber cloth and polish against the grain. You will be smiling at your reflection in the wood when you see how good your furniture looks.

The best part is, this is so much cheaper than store-bought furniture polish.

Is important company coming over for a fancy dinner? Don’t let watermarks on your silverware steal the show. Just rub a little lemon juice on the spot using a microfiber towel. Rinse, then dry. No more spots!

One of the most frustrating things to clean is a cheese grater. Even after washing, it seems that some bits of hardened cheese residue are forever stuck in a hole or two.

Next time use a lemon to clean your grater. Because lemon cuts grease, it will help remove fatty cheese from the holes. Also, the pulp of the lemon helps to clean the metal. Take half a lemon and scrub. Let it sit for a few minutes and then rinse with hot water. Repeat if needed. At last, your grater is finally clean!

Hopefully, you will be inspired to use lemons next time you clean!

And if you live in Santa Cruz County and do not have time to clean or need help cleaning, call Bee-Clene for a free consultation.